Pens kicked off the 2012-2013 preseason in grand fashion last night, downing the Blue Jackets 5-2 in Columbus.

The Pens were dealt a major blow in warmups when they lost Eric Tangradi for the season after he took a puck to the face.

FIRST PERIOD

As for the game itself, Dan Bylsma added a new wrinkle to his system in the first period. There were rumors of a new game plan, and we saw some of that in this one. It looks like the plan is to skate really fast into the opposing goaltender on breakaways and then fall.

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Crosby was everywhere, though. He's back to his old self, having shed any lingering effects from his concussion and neck stuff. Artem Anisimov put home a bullshit goal. James Neal had a bizarre game overall.

SECOND PERIOD

The second period saw the floodgates open. Apparently Crosby got a piece of Malkin's backhander from the slot to tie it at 1. 8 seconds later, James Neal cruised down the wing and put one home.

Later in the second, Malkin scored what will probably be the goal of the year. A beautiful solo effort put the Pens up 3-1. The Nash trade is paying dividends for Columbus, as Dubinsky made it 3-2.

Not to be outdone, Brooks Orpik got his name on the scoresheet to make it 4-2 going into the third.

THIRD PERIOD

Crosby was like 0 for 7 on breakaways in the third. Always been a weakness in his game. Malkin put home an empty-netter to close it out.